Weir could receive further penalties: RV

7th February 2019

Racing Victoria has not ruled out stripping disgraced but decorated trainer Darren Weir of race wins or awards in the wake of his four-year disqualification from racing.

Racing Victoria CEO Giles Thompson said on Wednesday that while the focus had been on the immediate charges against Weir, evidence in relation to particular races would be "dealt with accordingly" should it come to light.

Thompson also said if fresh charges come to light as a result of the Victoria Police investigation, the trainer could face further sanctions from RV.

Weir has won some of the greatest races on the Australian turf, including the Melbourne Cup, and Thompson did not say if he would be stripped of awards or even race wins.

"I haven't put a mind to that. The focus of the last week is to deal with the charges laid and their outcome," Thompson said.

"We don't know what evidence might come to light."

Asked about Weir being stripped of race wins, he was vague.

"In a general sense if evidence comes to light it will be dealt with accordingly. If it does come to light it will be dealt with as is relevant."

Thompson also said Weir was not guaranteed to get his training licence back when his four-year disqualification is served.

"There's not an automatic reissue of a licence, he will have to reapply to the stewards," Thompson said.

Thompson said that it was too soon to say how badly racing's image had been dented by Weir's actions, but he was adamant that the pursuit of the biggest trainer in the land and the swift justice meted out would act as a deterrent to all in the sport.

"It sends a very clear message to everyone in racing ... integrity is fundamental to our sport, and the welfare of horses, we take it extremely seriously.

"It sends a clear message that stewards are prepared to, and have the resources to, act as they deem fit and as is necessary to protect the integrity of our sport and the welfare of our horses.

"The disqualification is severe. Mr Weir can have nothing to do with racing in the next four years, he cannot get any gain from racing or participate in any way.

"The Victoria Police investigations are ongoing as far as I am aware and any evidence that comes to light to the ... stewards will be dealt with on its merits and dealt with accordingly."

Thompson described the last seven days as "a very bruising experience in racing, and it's going to have an impact in the short term."

But, he stressed: "I am convinced in the long term this is the right things to do for racing, we have to get integrity right and this is part of that process, an unfortunate but necessary part.

"I don't believe there is anything rotten in racing in Victoria. We have the resources in place and the commitment to ensure integrity is maintained.

"From a racing industry perspective it's extremely disappointing that we have to deal once again with an issue such as this. We have dealt with it very effectively with speed and a good outcome this morning."